Classic bikes line up at Bonhams

Rare British motorcycles head to Bonhams Stafford Sale later this month, with the Croft-Cameron Super Eight leading an exceptional line-up of vintage, classic and racing machines.

1924 Croft-Cameron 996cc Super Eight – estimate £160,000-200,000

The Croft-Cameron Super Eight ranks among the super-sports big twins of the 1920s and ‘30s. The Coventry based Croft Cameron company enjoyed a short but sweet existence between 1923 and 1926, producing striking and powerful machines for the very top of the market. This rare example of their design, which debuted in 1923, is estimated at £160,000-200,000.

James Stensel, Head of Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles says: ‘Our motorcycle dedicated sales are synonymous with the world’s finest machines of yesteryear. This autumn’s sale has attracted some truly remarkable entries including an exceedingly rare Croft-Cameron Super Eight with elegant lines and sporting prowess – a potent machine in the right hands.

More than 230 lots are set to cross the Bonhams auction block. These comprise no fewer than 20 veterans, including the 1907 Vindec Special 5hp & Graham Brothers Sidecar (estimate £30,000-40,000) – a rare and striking survivor of a little-known German maker that regularly draws the attention of collectors and enthusiasts across the UK.

Amongst the Vincents on offer is a 1946 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series-B (estimate £38,000-45,000), a unique chance to secure what is believed to be the oldest complete and original post-war Vincent in existence, whilst the 1948 Vincent-HRD 998cc Black Shadow Series-B (estimate £50,000-60,000) is one of just 76 Series B Black Shadows produced, putting it on a par with the series A Rapide in terms of rarity.

Ben Walker, Bonhams International Departmental Director says, “With such a diverse array of entries, we look forward to welcoming the international crowd to Stafford for what is set to be a memorable event.”